Scott leaving UA for NFL

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Junior offensive right guard Yusuf Scott (72) prepares to set a block on a play-action pass against Arizona State. Scott announced Friday that he will not return to the UA football team but will instead enter the April 17 NFL Draft.

On Friday, the rumors became reality as junior offensive right guard Yusuf Scott declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft.

"In some ways it was a surprise, but Yusuf Scott is trying to make the best decision for him and his family," UA running backs coach Jeff Woodruff said. "It is like looking into a crystal ball because you don't know if it is the best decision or not."

Scott was a two-year starter for the Wildcats and in 1998 he earned first team All-Pac-10 honors as well as being named second team All-American by Football News. He also won the Morris Award as the Pac-10's top individual foe voted on by opposing defensive lineman.

"I have to go out there and fulfill my dream. Financially I can help my family and this is a chance for me to prove that I am one of the best," Scott said.

During his three years in Tucson, Scott developed friendships with many teammates, but none like the one he has with junior running back Trung Canidate, who took Scott out for dinner if he had a good game.

"He talked to me for a while and I knew what he was going to do," Canidate said. "We are obviously losing a great lineman, but for me I am losing a great friend. It hurts both me and my family."

With Scott departing and senior Edwin Mulitalo graduating, the UA offensive line has to fill some major gaps for next year.

Makai and Makoa Freitas, Marques McFadden and Otis Redding will be the players looked upon to fill Scott and Mulitalo's spots.

"Yusuf is a guy you can count on as a friend. He had dreams and when someone is playing with dreams they are not going to miss a block," Canidate said. "We still should be good, but he is going to be missed."

As for what Scott thinks of his draft status, he said, "I am probably going to skip the combine but I am going to stay in Tucson and work out and get my body weight down to 315. I'm not going to kid you, I'm no first round pick, but maybe a second or third round. My expectation is that wherever my status is now, it will be the same next year if I was to stay."

Wildcat sports reporter Bryan Rosenbaum contributed to this story.